“How do you know Soren?” he asked with intense eye contact.
I dropped my gaze to his chest.
Remembering my instructions, I did my best to sound casual as I lied, “I’m visiting from the Shadow Court and staying with him.”
Pulling back slightly, he raised a brow. “I wouldnothave pegged you for an Unseelie.”
I cleared my throat. “Mm-hmm.”
Told you, Soren, I thought.He’s gonna see right through me.
The music halted, saving me. Everyone stopped dancing and swiveled to face the curve of the S shape. Curiosity made me spin around too.
“What’s happening?”
The prince pointed at the raised section of the room where the thrones sat. “My parents are coming to court.”
“Your parents?” I whispered, half to myself, reminded yet again that this oddly chill fae dude was actual royalty.
“King Mordeus and Queen Daja,” he said casually, like it was no big deal. Just an actual king and queen.
“Yes, of course.” I pretended to have known that already.
The crowd parted. The first faces through the tunnel by the stairs revealed two rows of fae in dark uniforms carrying weapons.Guards, most likely.They moved with liquid grace in perfect unison.
My lips parted. Some of the guards were human!
They spread out in front of the steps that led to the thrones, while more guards streamed out from the tunnel.
I scanned each face, shoulders sagging when I didn’t recognize any of them.
In the hush, the royals appeared.
A tall fae with the same coloring as the prince wore the sharpest crown I’d ever seen.
I’m seeing a fae king right now.
I blinked rapidly. Maybe I should pinch myself.
The spikes of his crown rose at least a foot high, bending at odd angles to imitate antlers or maybe strange branches. Instead of overpowering him, it appeared majestic. That, and the cloak over his shoulders with leaves woven throughout, lent him a wild authority.
Beside him, a dark-skinned beauty appeared with an equally sharp crown.
Everyone lowered to a bow.
I attempted to copy the prince, hoping I was doing it right.
Together, the king and queen climbed the stairs—one set, across the landing, up another, across the second landing. They continued up the third set of stairs at a leisurely pace.
Finally reaching the top, they settled gracefully onto their thrones. The king studied the room with a disinterested gaze, while the queen lounged against the plush velvet. Her long dark tail twitched like a cat’s.
My legs trembled. If we bowed much longer, I might not make it.
The king nodded to the musicians, who picked up right where they’d left off, thankfully signaling everyone to rise.
I blew out a breath of relief.
As dancers returning to whirling past, I turned back to the prince. “So, those are your parents.” Glancing between the ebony queen and his pale skin, I squinted.
